A photomicrograph of a fresh stool sample reveals the presence of four Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts in the field of view. (AP Photo/Centerd for Disease Control and Prevention)

(Newser)
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The cyclospora outbreak, believe to be linked to prepackaged salad in Iowa and Nebraska, just got a little ickier: Experts say that salad may not be the sole source of the stomach bug, which causes "sometimes explosive diarrhea"and has now sickened a confirmed 397 people across 16 states as of Wednesday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Indeed, Iowa's state epidemiologist tells USA Today that the "epidemiology looks a bit different" in other affected states. "The people who are getting ill are not necessarily the same as we saw; they're not getting sick at the same time."

The FDA says it "can't speak to an ongoing investigation," though CBS News reports the FDA and CDC are "getting closer" to IDing the source. (CBS points out that even if the salad is to blame, the true root of the illness could be the plant that processed the lettuce, for instance.) Says the VP of a produce trade group, "I think the investigation has a long way to go." If you want a first-hand account of what cyclospora is like, CBS talks to a Texas woman who had diarrhea "for weeks."

I found tiny worms crawling around in my salad at a 5 star restaurant. These days, it doesn't matter where you eat, it's risky. Much safer to clean and prepare your food at home and even that is no guarantee you won't get sick.

Ti28942

Aug 3, 2013 2:18 PM CDT

If the deadly t oba cc o drug had been found in the salad, the conservative-run media would have kept quiet about it, since the to bac co pu she rs are their pimps.

sickdaddy

Aug 3, 2013 4:44 AM CDT

Eat at shitty restaurants, get the shits. Who, other than prom goers, even eats at olive garden? Its the McDonald's of Italian.